We hope your stay at the University is a healthy one.  If you have any concerns about anything, please come see us at the Health Clinic.

Q: How do I take advantage of the services?
A: Upon arriving at the clinic, the student completes a registration paper, indicating their medical history and chief complaint/reason for the visit.  Once registered, the provider will treat each student on a first-come first served basis.  Any emergent situation, however, will take precedence over others waiting.

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Q: If my family physician has prescribed medication or allergy injections may I continue my care through the Health Clinic?
A: Yes.  Your physician from home may call in a prescription, or write a new prescription that you may bring with you.  For allergy injections, we ask that you bring your vials of antigens and instructions with you on your first visit.  We will keep these vials properly stored and provide the injections according to the physician's directions.  You will check in at the reception desk for each visit.

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Q: What if I need additional care?
A: If the Health Clinic provider believes a problem needs a specialist's care, you will be referred to SOMC’s Urgent Care Center or a family physician or specialists at Southern Ohio Medical Center.  You may choose to be referred to a physician at another hospital or provider upon request.  The Clinic personnel will refer you very quickly for an appointment outside the clinic at the time that is convenient for you.
SOMC’s Urgent Care Center is located at 1248 Kinney’s Lane, Portsmouth, Ohio and the hospital is located at 1805 27^th St., Portsmouth, OH.  The website is http://www.somc.org and the phone number is (740)-356-5000.  Some of the additional services at SOMC include:

• 24/7 Emergency Services
• Inpatient Services (inc. Maternity, Rehab, ICU, Behavioral Medicine)
• Full complement of medical imaging services:
  • X-ray & Ultrasound
  • CT & PET Scan
  • MRI
  • Nuclear Medicine
  • Mammography
• Surgical Services with Same Day Surgery & Endoscopy Center
• Cardiac & Pulmonary Services (inc. open heart & cath lab)
• Wound Healing with 2 Hyperbaric chambers
• Sleep Lab
• Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy
• Fitness Center with Athletic Performance Enhancement Clinic (PEC)
• Laboratory Services
• Cancer Services
• Nutritional & Diabetic Counseling
• Home Health & Hospice Services

Q: What should I do if I need help and the Health Clinic is closed?
A: If you believe that you need medical attention when the Health Clinic is closed, you may call your family physician or go to SOMC’s Urgent Care Center (1248 Kinney’s Lane, Portsmouth, OH – phone 356-7920) or Emergency Department (1805 27^th St, Portsmouth, OH, phone 356-8024).

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Q: Are there charges for services through the Health Clinic?
A: Clinic visits and some medicines are provided at no charge to students. (There is no charge for a TB test.)  There are charges for those tests that are sent to an outside laboratory.
Immunization charges vary, including:
 

Payment for any charged service is to be made at the time of service. 
If you are sent off campus for services, payment is expected at the time of service.  You may use cash, credit card, insurance card, and/or prescription card.
If you are not covered by insurance, and need specialized care, information will be given to you regarding low cost health care per the Clinics in Portsmouth.  An appointment will be made for you as needed.

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Q: What should I do if I need help and the Health Clinic is closed?
A: If you believe that you need medical attention when the Health Clinic is closed, you may call your family physician or Dr. Pettit's office for care.  The number is (740)-354-1434.

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Q: What can I do to be better prepared?
A: Be knowledgeable of your past medical history.  Have a copy of your family health insurance card with you while on campus.  If you are 18 years of age or older, you are considered an adult for the purpose of confidentiality of medical records.  If you know a parent or guardian will want to talk to us about your care, you may give us permission to share your medical information.  The Health Clinic is HIPAA compliant.  You will receive a Notice of Privacy Practices the first time you visit the Clinic.  This notice explains how your protected health information is used at the Health Clinic.

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